novelraw Chapter 202 : The First Building with Three Spiritual Effects
Chapter 202 : The First Building with Three Spiritual Effects
Chapter 202: The First Building with Three Spiritual Effects
‘It’s done, finally done!’
‘My two days of effort weren’t in vain after all!’
Ji Yuan looked at the line of words that appeared above his head, and his heart was filled with great joy.
To him, activating the 【Spirit Vein】 not only meant receiving the daily welfare, but more importantly, it was the enhancement effect the 【Spirit Vein】 provided to the surrounding spiritual energy.
Once the 【Spirit Vein】 was upgraded to level 2, the concentration of spiritual energy within a radius of two miles would increase by 100%. Added with the effect of the 【Cave Dwelling】—spiritual energy concentration increased by 20% during the day and 40% at night.
In addition, Ji Yuan had also set up a Spirit-Gathering Formation.
With all these effects combined, he couldn’t even imagine how dense the spiritual energy inside his 【Cave Dwelling】 would become.
In that case, what was there to wait for?
Ji Yuan called out the panel and glanced at it.
【Spirit Vein: lv2 (Upgradeable)】
【Spiritual Effect 1: Within a radius of two miles, spiritual energy concentration +100%.】
【Spiritual Effect 2: Produces 10 middle-grade Spirit Stones and 100 low-grade Spirit Stones per day.】
【Upgrade Conditions: 10 high-grade Spirit Stones, 100 middle-grade Spirit Stones, 1000 low-grade Spirit Stones. (Fulfilled)】
Previously, Ji Yuan had exchanged enough high- and low-grade Spirit Stones on Everything Island.
Although “forging the Spirit Vein” had consumed quite a lot of Spirit Stones,
he still had plenty left.
Ji Yuan brushed his right hand over his waist, and the Spirit Stones immediately turned into streaks of light that flew out, landing before him and arranging themselves neatly in order.
From the ten high-grade Spirit Stones at the very front to the thousand low-grade Spirit Stones at his feet.
It was Ji Yuan’s first time spending such an extravagant amount of Spirit Stones—altogether, this amounted to over a thousand middle-grade Spirit Stones… enough to refine two Foundation Establishment Pills, and both had to be of two-pattern quality.
‘Damn it, do it—upgrade!’
With determination in his heart, the Spirit Stones before Ji Yuan turned into ashes at a speed visible to the naked eye.
‘My Spirit Stones… my precious Spirit Stones…’
Before Ji Yuan could even grieve, he saw Spirit Stones begin to “grow” out of the stone wall before him out of thin air.
They truly grew.
Like seeds sprouting, the Spirit Stones pushed apart the hard rock and drilled their way out of the wall.
Moreover, a level-2 【Spirit Vein】 already possessed a construction effect.
The entire 【Spirit Vein】 shimmered with a blue-white glow and even emitted a trace of cool aura—it was exactly the same as the 【Spirit Vein】 Ji Yuan had seen deep beneath Liancheng Mountain.
‘Did I… actually create a Spirit Vein?’
Ji Yuan stepped forward, crushing the powdered remnants of Spirit Stones beneath his feet, and plucked a freshly grown middle-grade Spirit Stone from the wall.
Activating his internal technique, he absorbed the pure spiritual energy from the stone into his body.
It was no different from ordinary Spirit Stones… oh no, it felt new—untouched by others, freshly harvested from the 【Spirit Vein】 itself.
Normally, such freshly formed middle-grade Spirit Stones could be exchanged for one or two more low-grade stones since their spiritual energy had not yet diminished at all.
After absorbing that one, Ji Yuan didn’t continue. The spiritual energy within the 【Spirit Vein】 was already so dense that it fully met his daily cultivation needs as a mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator.
Unless an emergency arose that required rapid recovery, he wouldn’t even need to use Spirit Stones for cultivation.
After experiencing the construction effect of the 【Spirit Vein】, Ji Yuan summoned the panel again and looked at the level-3 building effects.
Level 1 produced low-grade Spirit Stones.
Level 2 produced middle-grade Spirit Stones.
By that logic, wouldn’t level 3 produce high-grade ones?
【Spirit Vein: lv3 (Not Upgradeable)】
【Spiritual Effect 1: Within a radius of five miles, spiritual energy concentration +200%.】
【Spiritual Effect 2: Produces 100 middle-grade Spirit Stones and 1000 low-grade Spirit Stones per day.】
【Spiritual Effect 3: Produces 1 drop of “Millennium Spirit Milk” per month.】
【Upgrade Conditions: 80 high-grade Spirit Stones, 1000 middle-grade Spirit Stones, 10000 low-grade Spirit Stones, 10 drops of Millennium Spirit Milk. (Not Fulfilled)】
After reading from top to bottom, the first thought that popped into Ji Yuan’s mind was—three spiritual effects?!
A level-3 【Spirit Vein】 actually had three effects?
Other buildings, such as the 【Pigsty】 or 【Cave Dwelling】, even when showing their level-4 previews, didn’t display a third spiritual effect.
Ji Yuan had thought such things only appeared at level 5 or higher.
But now, even a level-3 【Spirit Vein】 had three effects—this alone showed how extraordinary it was.
The first and second effects were expected—nothing special compared to other buildings.
What surprised Ji Yuan was that the second effect still didn’t produce high-grade Spirit Stones.
Even with a daily yield of 100 middle-grade ones, not a single high-grade was produced.
That alone revealed just how rare high-grade Spirit Stones were.
Even within a Spirit Vein, it was the same.
A single high-grade Spirit Stone contained the equivalent energy of 100 middle-grade ones, yet its quantity was far lower.
This naturally caused fluctuations in exchange rates.
When Ji Yuan made exchanges on Everything Island, it took 110 middle-grade Spirit Stones to obtain one high-grade one.
Scarcity had raised the price slightly, though not to absurd levels.
Hence, unless required for special occasions, most Foundation Establishment and Golden Core cultivators used middle-grade Spirit Stones.
Then there was the third spiritual effect—Millennium Spirit Milk.
Ji Yuan naturally knew what this was.
Just one drop could instantly replenish all the mana of a Foundation Establishment cultivator, even those at the peak stage.
It was even beneficial to Golden Core cultivators.
Though one drop wasn’t enough to fully restore them, several drops certainly would.
Its effect was remarkable—and so was its price.
Ji Yuan had once seen two drops auctioned together for a final price of 800 middle-grade Spirit Stones.
One couldn’t say Millennium Spirit Milk was worthless—it was life itself that was valuable.
At about 400 Spirit Stones per drop, the price rivaled that of a middle-grade Spiritual Artifact.
But unlike artifacts, which often couldn’t turn the tide of battle,
a single drop that instantly restored all mana could.
Take Talisman Treasures, for example—you could see the difference immediately.
Now this level-3 【Spirit Vein】 could produce one drop every month. This effect was just too damn good!
Even if Ji Yuan were ever short on Spirit Stones, he would never sell it. He would stockpile every drop for emergencies.
What a pity though—his 【Spirit Vein】 was still only level 2. Facing the level-3 effects… he could only drool at the sight.
For the next ten days, Ji Yuan didn’t go out; he stayed within the Spirit Vein cultivating peacefully, fully enjoying the abundance of spiritual energy at home.
Unlike in the Spirit Vein beneath Liancheng Mountain, where he had to constantly move to find suitable spots for cultivation—
that feeling had been truly uncomfortable, being forced to stop just when cultivation got exciting.
But here, within his own Spirit Vein?
He could absorb however he pleased. Even if he drained the nearby Spirit Stones dry, they would grow back soon enough. They were his, after all—no one would come to check.
Ten days later, Ji Yuan looked at the replenished spiritual energy within his dantian—or more precisely, spiritual liquid—and smiled with satisfaction.
He had been consuming Spiritual Eggs daily to purify that liquid.
Now, for the first time, he had returned to his peak state.
Of course, Ji Yuan knew that as long as he continued to consume Spiritual Eggs, his spiritual liquid would continue purifying, requiring replenishment again later.
But that was fine. He could consume the eggs and absorb energy all the same.
“Hu——”
Ji Yuan stepped out from his meditation, then spent a few days in the nearby 【Talisman Room】 and 【Pill Refining Room】 to regain his touch.
During the following period, he still had to study the pill recipes he had obtained from the Joy Palace, refining some pills suited for men and women’s pleasures, and expanding the market for the Water Dragon Sect.
The originally planned 【Weapon Refining Room】 could not be set up here on Misty Island, as it was difficult to draw out the Earth Fire. It could only be placed on Wuyou Island, so the plan had to be postponed.
But even if it wasn’t postponed, he wouldn’t have managed to finish it all anyway.
His energy was truly limited, and he lacked enough hands to help.
At this thought, Ji Yuan glanced at Tu Yue, who was still collecting Blood Essence… fortunately, she was here. Otherwise, he wouldn’t even know what to do.
Right!
Ji Yuan slapped his forehead as if recalling something, hurriedly took out Chu San from the Storage Pouch.
“You go to 【Grave Mound】 and rest for a while. You’ve worked hard.”
After sending Chu San away, Ji Yuan said again to Tu Yue, “The Spirit Stones at the 【Bee Nest】 should be almost consumed. Bring some over, and while you’re at it, call the Ice Flood Dragon to come to me.”
After receiving the order, Tu Yue left.
Ji Yuan lay down on the spot, and before long, a small flood dragon crept out stealthily from the nearby grass.
The second-tier Ice Flood Dragon naturally possessed the ability to alter its size — able to grow or shrink, rise or hide. When large, it could summon clouds and exhale mist; when small, it could conceal its form and blend into the surroundings.
The only drawback was that it could still only stay airborne for a short while. If it wanted to truly soar freely in the skies, it had to advance into a third-tier demon beast.
After the Ice Flood Dragon came over, Ji Yuan beckoned it closer, enlarging its body slightly and letting it serve as a pillow beneath his head.
The reason he had called it over was that Ji Yuan had just sensed it sneaking ashore, attempting to have a buffet meal at the 【Fish Pond】.
Resting his head upon the Ice Flood Dragon, Ji Yuan raised his right index finger. Two water-blue sword lights flashed by.
The sword embryos of the Canglan Sword turned into ribbons of gentle light twining around his finger.
Ji Yuan gazed at the two sword embryos revolving around his fingertip — one was pure blue, while the other was streaked with faint golden lines within its blue hue.
Having firmly stabilized his Mid Foundation Establishment Stage, Ji Yuan could now condense the third Canglan Sword embryo.
As for places suitable for condensing sword embryos, he had already received detailed descriptions from Li Changhe.
The most suitable and also the closest was undoubtedly the Falling Star River.
The location Li Changhe had given was the river’s estuary — where the water currents were immense. Not to mention condensing a single flying sword, even forming two or three consecutively would be possible.
At the time, Ji Yuan had thought he could go there anytime, but Li Changhe suggested waiting until the condensation of the final sword embryo before going.
The reason… was precisely because the water currents there were too powerful.
By using the water energy of the Falling Star River to forge the last flying sword embryo, it could command the other eight swords and serve as the main sword.
With a main sword, setting up a sword formation during the Golden Core Stage would become much easier.
Therefore, the Falling Star River could not be visited yet.
As for the other locations, there were a few more.
The first was “Yellow Spring Lake” on Blood Bone Island. It was said that millions of vengeful ghosts floated within its waters, heavy with Yin energy — a place where one could condense the “Yellow Spring Sword.”
When Ji Yuan first heard that, he knew the Li Family wasn’t exactly a pure righteous faction either.
In the end, strength was all that mattered.
The second was Tianzhu Peak.
At the summit of Tianzhu Peak, on every full-moon night, a vortex would appear in the sea of clouds.
The cloud sea, too, was a form of heavenly water.
Thus, one could condense a Canglan Sword embryo there — named “Cloud Palace Sword.”
The third was Ice-Fire Island.
On the island was a strange pool whose water temperature varied by thousands of degrees between day and night — boiling like molten metal in the daytime, and freezing into divine ice by midnight.
One could choose either.
If the sword embryo was condensed during the day, it would be called the “Blazing Flame Sword,” imbued with fiery killing intent.
If condensed at night, it would be the “Cold Mirage Sword,” capable of summoning endless cold mist.
The fourth was the Thunder Pool within the Thunder Marsh to the south.
The waters there had been tempered by countless lightning strikes over millennia, long since transformed into “Thunder Punishment Profound Liquid,” with each drop carrying true lightning intent.
There, one could condense the Canglan Sword embryo “Thunder Punishment Sword,” which naturally countered demonic and evil cultivators.
The fifth was within the territory of the Corpse Herding Mountain — an ancient battlefield ruin where a river of blood flowed.
That blood river could forge a sword embryo known as the “Blood Slaughter Sword,” unmatched in ferocity.
The sixth was also in the north, within the domain of the Beast Taming Sect, where there lay a lake named “Mirror Lake.”
At night, Mirror Lake could reflect the trajectory of the stars, containing celestial power. There, one could form the “Firefly Sword,” which could extend starlit illusions to evade attacks.
The seventh was in the west — the Medicine King Valley.
According to Li Changhe, within the sect of the Medicine King Valley lay an Immortal Spring that never aged, brimming with endless vitality — a place where the “Evergreen Sword” could be formed.
The Evergreen Sword could not only fight but also heal.
If one’s meridians were injured during battle, the Evergreen Sword could flow through them once, fully restoring the damage.
In addition, Li Changhe had also given two backup options.
The first was further north of the Beast Taming Sect — a Kun Ruins site where one could condense the “Sea Transformation Sword.”
Its sword aura could turn into a massive whirlpool, devouring enemy spells.
The second was within the western mountains of Shang Mountain — a region said to have been formed by the fall of a fifth-tier mirage demon, turning into an illusory sea.
There, one could form the “Mirage Sword.”
Its sword aura could create three thousand illusory projections, with only one being real, making it extremely powerful.
Li Changhe had provided these locations but warned against the last one — saying its illusions were too strong. Once entered, there was an eight-in-ten chance of never coming out again; it was far too dangerous.
In total, there were nine places — all excellent — and each sword embryo formed there carried its own unique effect. Ji Yuan even regretted condensing his first flying sword too early.
That first, the original Canglan Sword, possessed no special traits.
The second, the Dragon Energy Sword, was far better.
As for this third one… Ji Yuan decided to start simple — he would first go to Tianzhu Peak and condense the “Cloud Palace Sword.”
As for the rest, that could wait.
If it truly became impossible later, he could always use the Falling Star River to forge the remaining sword embryos. After all, Ji Yuan’s life-bound magic treasure already had its destined form.
These nine Canglan Swords could, at most, be considered part of that life-bound treasure.
Tianzhu Peak lay to the southeast of the Water Dragon Sect, bordering the territory of the Joy Palace.
There was an old saying: “When the heavens collapse in the southeast, Tianzhu will stand to hold them up.”
Roughly speaking, the southeastern side had always been gentle and flat—only Tianzhu Peak stood tall and lofty. Even if the sky were to collapse, Tianzhu Peak would still be there to hold it up.
That place was fairly peaceful. It did not produce any heavenly treasures, nor did it contain any spirit veins or secret realms.
Therefore, it was usually just a few cultivators who went there to cultivate together or to enjoy the scenery—it was practically a sightseeing spot.
Inside the sect, they were still busy handling the spirit vein incident, so the rewards probably would not be distributed anytime soon. Ji Yuan planned to make a quick trip and return soon after.
He wanted to raise his cultivation first before anything else.
But just as he was preparing to leave, a messaging talisman arrived—it was from Li Changhe.
It said that there had been new developments regarding the investigation into the sect’s spirit veins, and he wanted to discuss them with Ji Yuan, asking if Ji Yuan had time.
For such matters, even if he had no time, he had to make time.
Thus, Ji Yuan hurried back to Wuyou Island, and then invited Li Changhe over.
“Didn’t expect it, really didn’t expect it.”
Li Changhe began clicking his tongue in amazement as soon as he sat down.
“How so?”
Ji Yuan poured him a cup of tea and asked curiously.
Li Changhe looked genuinely parched—he raised the cup and drained it in one gulp. “I just came over from Water Dragon Island, and came straight to you after that.”
“Brother Ji, you wouldn’t believe it—the sect’s spirit veins had already been problematic for quite some time. The one you discovered in Liancheng Mountain? That was actually one of the later cases.”
“What?!”
Ji Yuan was astonished. “It had already gone wrong long ago?”
Thinking about it, the sect’s patrols had been far too careless… but then again, who would ever imagine that a spirit vein could have issues?
“That’s right. The worst cases are the two high-grade spirit veins—both had been devoured over a considerable distance. According to what my useless old father said, the losses to the sect from this incident… are probably about this much.”
Li Changhe lifted his right hand and raised a single finger.
“...A hundred thousand?”
Ji Yuan guessed tentatively.
“One million. And middle-grade spirit stones, no less.”
“What? That many?!”
The number startled Ji Yuan—because the annual output of a medium-sized spirit vein was merely about five million middle-grade spirit stones.
The Water Dragon Sect only had three medium-sized spirit veins in total, including the one at Liancheng Mountain, which even had to be shared among three parties.
So now, this loss was equivalent to one-fifth of a medium spirit vein’s annual production.
For a great sect like Water Dragon Sect, it might not be crippling—but it was still a serious wound.
“And moreover,” Li Changhe continued, “your Second Senior Brother also made significant contributions in this incident.”
“Senior Brother Yun?”
“Yes. He was guarding the Qiyun Mountain large-scale spirit vein this time. After the problem surfaced, a late Foundation Establishment disciple was found devouring the spirit vein. The man was about to commit suicide on the spot, but your senior brother used a formation to stop him. Now he’s been saved and brought back to the sect by Real Person Suxin, a Golden Core cultivator, and is being strictly interrogated.”
“This is one of the rare live captives we’ve caught in Water Dragon Sect. We must root out those thieves hiding within our sect.”
Ji Yuan silently listened, then finally asked, “Brother Li, who exactly are the people behind this? Don’t tell me it’s those demonic cultivators again?”
“It’s not the demonic cultivators.”
Li Changhe’s voice gradually turned solemn. “It’s fine for me to tell you this, but you must not spread it around.”
“Don’t worry, Brother Li. My mouth is sealed tighter than any talisman.”
As Ji Yuan spoke, he casually threw out several talismans, enveloping the entire room so that no sound could leak out.
“Have you ever heard of... Shang Court?”
“Shang Court? Wasn’t that the vast power that once unified the entire Cangluo Continent? I heard that the Nine Nether Grotto-Heaven is its former site.”
Ji Yuan naturally knew of it.